Now that Iím done with all my ďresearchĒ beers, Iím back to trying the latest and greatest new releases.
This week, I tried new beers from Allagash Brewing Company, Baxter Brewing Company, Stone Brewing Company and Troegs Brewing Company.
First up is the brand new Allagash Saison.
As youíd expect from a brewery that specializes in Belgian-style ales, the Allagash Saison is a well-done beer. The. 6.1 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) beer starts off spicy, but then gives way to a citrusy flavor from the hops, with just a hint of apples.
The Saison then finishes peppery and on the dry side. If youíre a fan of saisons, this is one to add to your ďshould tryĒ list.
Next up is the new year-round beer for Baxter Brewing Company, Tarnation.
The Tarnation is billed as a ďCalifornia-style lager,Ē or a California common. Itís a pretty beer, with deep amber color.
The 5.3 percent ABV Tarnation has nice floral and hoppy earthy flavors, which gives way to a toasted caramel flavor. The beer is easy to drink, smooth and crisp. Itís a winner.
Next up are two new beers from Stone Brewing Company.
The first is the Stone Saison, a beer brewed with ingredients grown on Stones Farm. The ingredients include lemon zest, lemon thyme and lavender.
To me, itís too spicy. The added ingredients hide the saison flavors and dominate. The Stone Saison may be better to pair with a dinner, rather than to drink it by itself.
On the other hand, the Stone Sprocketbier was a surprise. This is the first beer from the Stone Spotlight Series and is a black rye Kolsch. Iím a huge fan of Kolsches, and wish more breweries would brew them.
However, the thing I like most about a Kolsch is its simple, delicate flavors that are refreshing. It was not a style that I thought should be messed with.
Shockingly, the Sprocketbier works. It tastes nothing like a traditional Kolsch, but it keeps its easy-drinking quality. It has slightly roasted flavor, floral flavors and a spicy rye finish. I would drink this again.
Finally, the Troegs Brewing Companyís LaGrave, an 8 percent ABV tripel, is the last new beer to be tried this week.
This beer is fruity, slightly sweet, with heavy carbonation. Make sure to pay attention when you pour, I had a near miss. The LaGrave has a strong yeasty flavor and just a pleasure to drink. Itís a wonderful tripel.
This is one worth buying. Itís not hard to find, it is available in the not-commonly-seen 12.7 ounce caged and corked bottles.